Philippines · Local picks
100+ Places to Visit in Philippines
These are the places worth your time in the Philippines, from Manila's walled city and Chinatown to the lagoons of El Nido and Coron, Cebu's waterfalls, Bohol's hills and Siargao's surf. Classics sit beside quiet corners many travellers miss, so every kind of visitor finds something to love.
Places to Visit in Manila
Arts and Culture
- Intramuros (Intramuros)
The Spanish era walled city, best explored on foot or by bamboo bike along its ramparts. - Fort Santiago (Intramuros)
The old citadel at the mouth of the Pasig, where national hero José Rizal spent his final days. - San Agustin Church (Intramuros)
The oldest stone church in the country and part of a UNESCO World Heritage listing. - National Museum of Fine Arts (Ermita)
Home to Juan Luna's vast Spoliarium and free to enter. - National Museum of Natural History (Ermita)
A striking Tree of Life atrium and galleries on the islands' wildlife. - Casa Manila (Intramuros)
A recreated colonial mansion that shows how wealthy families lived under Spain. - Metropolitan Theater (Ermita)
A restored art deco landmark that again hosts concerts and shows.
Things to Do
- Rizal Park (Ermita)
The capital's great green space, with the Rizal Monument and evening crowds. - Binondo Food Walk (Binondo)
The world's oldest Chinatown is best eaten your way through, dumpling by dumpling. - Manila Bay Sunset at Baywalk (Malate)
Locals gather along the bay for one of Asia's famous sunsets. - Pasig River Ferry (Escolta)
A cheap public ferry that shows the city from the river.
Restaurants
- Manam (Bonifacio Global City)
Modern takes on Filipino comfort food, perfect for a first taste of sisig and sinigang. - Dong Bei Dumplings (Binondo)
Handmade northern Chinese dumplings folded in front of you. - Wai Ying Fastfood (Binondo)
A bustling, much loved spot for roast meats and dim sum. - Toyo Eatery (Makati)
Inventive tasting menus built on Filipino ingredients and memories. - Aristocrat Restaurant (Malate)
A Manila institution since the 1930s, famous for chicken barbecue with java rice. - Salcedo Saturday Market (Makati)
A weekend food market with lechon, kakanin and regional specialities.
Cafés
- Café Adriatico (Malate)
A long running Malate café with a bohemian feel.
Bars and Nightlife
- The Curator (Makati)
A tiny coffee bar by day and a celebrated cocktail bar by night. - Poblacion Makati bars (Poblacion)
The city's liveliest nightlife strip, packed with small bars and food stalls.
Shopping and Markets
- Greenhills Shopping Center (San Juan)
A maze of stalls for pearls, gadgets and bargains. - Quiapo Market (Quiapo)
A chaotic, colourful market beside Quiapo Church, home of the Black Nazarene. - Escolta Street (Binondo)
Manila's old commercial street, now with art spaces and weekend makers' markets.
Stays
- The Manila Hotel (Ermita)
A grand historic hotel on the bay that has hosted presidents since 1912.
Events
- Feast of the Black Nazarene (Quiapo)
Huge crowds join the January procession of the revered statue.
Places to Visit in El Nido
Things to Do
- El Nido Island Hopping Tour A (Bacuit Bay)
The classic tour to the Big and Small Lagoons by boat and kayak. - El Nido Island Hopping Tour C (Bacuit Bay)
Hidden beaches, Secret Beach and Matinloc Shrine in one day.
Nature and Outdoors
- Big Lagoon (Miniloc Island)
Emerald water ringed by limestone cliffs, explored by kayak. - Nacpan Beach (Nacpan)
A long, quiet golden beach north of town lined with coconut palms. - Duli Beach (Bucana)
A remote surf beach with few people and big skies. - Las Cabanas Beach (Corong Corong)
A sunset beach with a zipline out to an islet.
Restaurants
- Artcafe (El Nido town)
A popular all day spot by the beach for meals and travel information. - Trattoria Altrove (El Nido town)
Wood fired pizza that has fed island hoppers for years. - Happiness Beach Bar (El Nido town)
Middle Eastern plates and drinks right on the sand. - El Nido Public Market (El Nido town)
Fresh fish and local snacks where residents shop.
Stays
- El Nido Resorts Miniloc Island (Miniloc Island)
An island resort reached by boat, set in a quiet cove. - Lagen Island resort (Lagen Island)
Overwater cottages in a sheltered forest cove.
Places to Visit in Coron
Nature and Outdoors
- Kayangan Lake (Coron Island)
The postcard viewpoint and clear lake surrounded by limestone. - Twin Lagoon (Coron Island)
Swim between two lagoons where warm and cool water meet. - Barracuda Lake (Coron Island)
Freshwater over saltwater, with strange layers that divers love. - Maquinit Hot Spring (Coron town)
A saltwater hot spring that is lovely after dark. - Malcapuya Island (Coron area)
White sand and calm water on a longer island hopping route. - Banana Island (Coron area)
A quiet beach stop on the southern island route. - Siete Pecados Marine Park (Coron Bay)
Easy snorkelling over coral close to town.
Things to Do
- Coron Japanese shipwreck dives (Coron Bay)
Second World War wrecks that rank among the world's great wreck dives. - Mount Tapyas (Coron town)
Climb the steps for a sunset view over the bay.
Restaurants
- Coron Public Market (Coron town)
Fresh fish, fruit and simple local eateries.
Places to Visit in Cebu
Arts and Culture
- Magellan's Cross (Cebu City)
The cross planted in 1521, under a painted pavilion downtown. - Basilica Minore del Santo Niño (Cebu City)
The country's oldest Catholic image and the heart of the Sinulog festival. - Fort San Pedro (Cebu City)
A compact Spanish fort with gardens and a small museum. - Casa Gorordo Museum (Parian)
A restored house in the old Parian district. - Museo Sugbo (Cebu City)
A former prison turned museum of Cebu's history.
Things to Do
- Kawasan Falls (Badian)
Turquoise tiered falls at the end of the canyoneering route. - Canyoneering in Badian (Badian)
Jump, slide and swim down a river gorge to Kawasan. - Simala Shrine (Sibonga)
A castle like church that draws pilgrims from across the country. - Temple of Leah (Busay)
A grand Roman style folly in the hills with city views.
Nature and Outdoors
- Moalboal sardine run (Moalboal)
Millions of sardines swirl just off Panagsama Beach. - Pescador Island (Moalboal)
A small island with a coral wall for snorkelling and diving. - Osmeña Peak (Dalaguete)
The highest point in Cebu, with jagged hills and an easy hike. - Malapascua Island (Daanbantayan)
Dawn dives to see thresher sharks. - Bantayan Island (Bantayan)
White sand beaches and a slow island pace.
Restaurants
- Rico's Lechon (Cebu City)
Cebu style roast pig, crisp skinned and stuffed with herbs. - House of Lechon (Cebu City)
Another favourite for lechon with all the trimmings. - Larsian BBQ (Cebu City)
Open air barbecue stalls with puso, rice cooked in woven leaves. - Abaca Baking Company (Cebu City)
A busy bakery and café for brunch and pastries.
Shopping and Markets
- Carbon Market (Cebu City)
The city's oldest and largest market, recently redeveloped. - Ayala Center Cebu (Cebu Business Park)
A big mall with food halls and air conditioning on hot days.
Stays
- Shangri-La Mactan (Mactan Island)
A large beach resort near the airport with its own marine sanctuary.
Events
- Sinulog Festival (Cebu City)
January street dancing in honour of the Santo Niño, one of Asia's biggest festivals.
Places to Visit in Bohol
Nature and Outdoors
- Chocolate Hills (Carmen)
More than a thousand grassy domes that turn brown in the dry season. - Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary (Corella)
See the tiny wide eyed tarsiers in a protected forest. - Loboc River cruise (Loboc)
A gentle floating lunch on a jade green river. - Can-Umantad Falls (Candijay)
A tall jungle waterfall above rice terraces. - Hinagdanan Cave (Dauis)
A cool cave pool lit by holes in the roof. - Alona Beach (Panglao)
The lively main beach with dive shops and seafood restaurants. - Balicasag Island (Panglao)
Turtles and coral walls a short boat ride away. - Pamilacan Island (Baclayon)
Dolphin watching and a fishing village once known for whaling. - Dumaluan Beach (Panglao)
A quieter white sand beach popular with local families.
Things to Do
- Bilar Man-Made Forest (Bilar)
A shady mahogany forest on the road to the hills.
Arts and Culture
- Baclayon Church (Baclayon)
One of the oldest stone churches in the country. - Blood Compact Shrine (Tagbilaran)
Marks the 1565 friendship pact between Datu Sikatuna and Legazpi.
Restaurants
- Bohol Bee Farm (Dauis)
Organic food on a cliff with honey ice cream to finish.
Stays
- Amorita Resort (Panglao)
A cliff top resort above Alona Beach.
Cafés
- Dauis Church (Dauis)
A coral stone church with a well said to have healing water.
Places to Visit in Siargao
Nature and Outdoors
- Cloud 9 (General Luna)
The famous reef break and boardwalk, watched by surfers worldwide. - Sugba Lagoon (Del Carmen)
A clear blue lagoon among mangroves, with a diving board. - Magpupungko Rock Pools (Pilar)
Natural tide pools that appear at low tide. - Maasin River (Maasin)
A leaning coconut tree rope swing over a green river. - Sohoton Cove (Bucas Grande)
Hidden lagoons and jellyfish lakes on a day trip.
Things to Do
- Siargao three island tour (General Luna)
Naked Island, Daku and Guyam in one easy day. - Surf lessons at Jacking Horse (General Luna)
A friendly beginner wave near Cloud 9. - Siargao island motorbike loop (General Luna)
Ride past palm forests and villages around the island.
Restaurants
- Kermit Siargao (General Luna)
Wood fired pizza and Italian food that became an island favourite. - Shaka Siargao (General Luna)
Smoothie bowls by the ocean near Cloud 9. - General Luna public market (General Luna)
Fresh fish and fruit for those cooking or grilling.
Stays
- Nay Palad Hideaway (Malinao)
A barefoot luxury hideaway among the palms.
Places to Visit in Boracay
Nature and Outdoors
- White Beach (Station 2)
Powder fine sand and the most famous sunset walk in the country. - Puka Shell Beach (Yapak)
A quieter northern beach with rougher sand. - Mount Luho viewpoint (Boracay)
The island's highest point with views of both coasts.
Things to Do
- Paraw sunset sailing (White Beach)
Traditional outrigger sailboats at golden hour.
Shopping and Markets
- D'Mall (Station 2)
The shopping and dining hub in the middle of White Beach.
Places to Visit in Vigan
Arts and Culture
- Calle Crisologo (Vigan)
A cobbled street of Spanish era mansions in a UNESCO town.
Places to Visit in Banaue
Nature and Outdoors
- Banaue Rice Terraces (Ifugao)
Mountain terraces carved by the Ifugao over centuries.
Places to Visit in Batad
Nature and Outdoors
- Batad Rice Terraces (Ifugao)
An amphitheatre of terraces reached only on foot.
More to Explore
We are still checking these with fresh sources, so confirm opening times before you go.
- Kapitan Café (Escolta, Manila)
Coffee in the heart of Escolta's revived heritage quarter. - Taraw Cliff (El Nido town, El Nido)
A steep guided climb with views over the bay. - Nagkalit Kalit Falls (Bucana, El Nido)
A small jungle waterfall reached by a walk through rice fields and streams. - Pukka Bar (Corong Corong, El Nido)
Reggae evenings and cold drinks with a sea view. - The Beach Shack (Corong Corong, El Nido)
Cocktails as the sun drops behind the islands. - Cauayan Island Resort (Bacuit Bay, El Nido)
A private island resort with villas on the water. - Kayaking to Cadlao Island (Bacuit Bay, El Nido)
Paddle across to the big island facing the town. - Calauit Safari Park (Busuanga, Coron)
A wildlife park where giraffes and zebras roam, far from Africa. - Kawayanan Grill (Coron town, Coron)
Grilled seafood under a bamboo roof. - Lobster King (Coron town, Coron)
A long standing seafood spot in the town centre. - Brujita Bakery (Coron town, Coron)
A local bakery for breakfast before island hopping. - Two Seasons Coron Island Resort (Malaroyroy Island, Coron)
A private island resort with its own house reef. - Sangat Island Dive Resort (Sangat Island, Coron)
A rustic island lodge close to the wrecks. - Busuanga Bay Lodge (Busuanga, Coron)
A lodge on a quiet bay near the safari park. - Mango Square (Cebu City, Cebu)
A long running nightlife area with bars and music. - Danao Adventure Park (Danao, Bohol)
Ziplines and a sky ride over a deep gorge. - Payag Restaurant (Panglao, Bohol)
Hearty Filipino plates under a native roof. - The Buzzz Café (Panglao, Bohol)
A branch of the bee farm on Alona Beach. - Nuts Huts (Loboc, Bohol)
A jungle lodge high above the Loboc River. - Coconut Tree View Deck (Pilar, Siargao)
A sea of coconut palms that stretches to the horizon. - Bravo Beach Resort restaurant (General Luna, Siargao)
Spanish flavours on the beachfront in town. - Jungle Disco (General Luna, Siargao)
A weekly party night that draws the whole island. - Harana Surf Resort bar (General Luna, Siargao)
A laid back bar with sunset views over the water. - Café Loka (General Luna, Siargao)
Coffee and simple plates with a sea view. - Kalinaw Resort (General Luna, Siargao)
Thatched villas set in a quiet garden by the sea. - Siargao International Surfing Cup (Cloud 9, Siargao)
Pro surfers compete at Cloud 9 each year.